By Macie Rasmussen

Country music can sometimes be associated with unfounded patriotism and covert misogyny; there have been an array of “bro-country” machismo acts within mainstream country music as of late. Then there’s country music that welcomes lighthearted sentiments, genuine storytelling, and campfire-esque songs. Tommy Goodroad’s work falls into the latter category, bringing warm tones, subtle twang, and cheerful energy to Green Room on Tuesday night. 

This was the Chicago-based, Minnesota-born artist’s third Twin Cities show in 2023; opening for Willow Creek Brothers in March, and for rising local band WHY NOT at the Turf Club in April.

At the opener’s 8pm start time, the center of the venue’s floor was barren, while a few people sat at the peripheral tables and chairs, as well as the upper balcony. The room didn’t reflect the energy that local band Ty Pow & The Holy North projected, but they didn’t appear any less confident. Vocalist/guitarist Tyler Pautsch, who wore a fur guitar strap, led the group through blues and Americana tunes, with an impressive organ solo from Kevin Gamble to wrap up the set.

After a break with country tracks playing over the speakers, Cole Diamond took the stage to announce: “We’re about to play some country music like some real cowboys.” Wearing western hats and apparel, they looked like real cowboys indeed. The band members’ postures stood in place, so the most visually entertaining part of the set were a few audience members who began the country-western two-step. Diamond’s music was fitting for an affectionate slow dance and gentle spin. Both openers’ sets lasted around 50 minutes, which was a bit excessive.

Then, with warm air floating through Green Room’s open windows, and a few more people entering the venue, Goodroad made a case for modern country music. He didn’t veer off track from honky-tonk and bluesy tunes made possible by his acoustic guitar, rich vocals with western drawl, and a slight lunge as his foot tapped back and forth all night. 

The strict genre consistency may have been surprising, given that he told The Cedar Cultural Center in an interview: “I grew up listening to rap, almost exclusively. When I was young, it would be Lil Wayne and T.I. – the ones that were really popular on the radio. Then in early high school, I got really into Young Thug and Future.” In 2019, he taught himself guitar and didn’t look back. 

The Midwest-country sound coincided with lyrical themes of not taking life too seriously:  weather, trucks, beer, manual labor, and highways. Goodroad lamented lost love on “Fifty Degrees in September,” and sang, “I’ve been livin’ in these old Levi’s jeans/Burning up cigarettes and gasoline,” on “Keep ‘Er Moving.” At first listen, the words may sound derivative to some, but others may take comfort in the simplicity.

The artist also mentioned Minnesota in various tracks, and shared a new song that was about Wisconsin. Many of his songs, like ones off his new EP, Tommy Goodroad and The Highway Birds, mention Minnesota and Illinois, so he thought the neighboring state deserved some attention too. 

Along with the tunes accentuated by a bandmate’s alluring fiddle, flute, and mandolin, it was easy to imagine the group playing in a grassy field. In particular, they covered The Cranberries’ “Linger,” and Goodroad smiled as he added an upbeat melody to the 1993 track. Duos continued two-stepping on the floor. 

Green Room was Goodroad’s first stop on a two week tour around the Midwest and Southern U.S. You could consider it a well-executed warm up show.